The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has a new president. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), won the election at the 2026 national convention held in Abuja. This development is significant in the student union movement in Nigeria because it marks a new era in leadership.

Akinteye emerged victorious after a keenly contested election involving five presidential candidates. He's a former NANS Senate president, which suggests he has some experience in student leadership. The election was conducted under tight security, with police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) present at the venue. They were there to ensure everything ran smoothly.

The convention was described by participants as one of the most peaceful in the history of NANS. This is a positive development, given the history of violence and disputes that have marred previous NANS elections. Speaking after his emergence, Akinteye expressed gratitude to delegates and pledged to sustain the achievements of the outgoing administration. He also promised to promote unity among Nigerian students.

"The leadership of NANS has conducted our election successfully, and the new leadership has emerged. I thank all the delegates for electing me, a student of OAUSTECH, as the new president of NANS," Akinteye said. He didn't hide his excitement and appreciation for the opportunity.

He commended the peaceful atmosphere during the convention, noting that there were no crises, violence, or disputes throughout the process. This is a welcome change from the usual chaos that characterizes NANS elections. Akinteye further assured Nigerian students that his administration wouldn't abandon the good works of the outgoing leadership. Instead, they'd build on those achievements and reposition the association for greater impact across campuses nationwide.

The outgoing NANS president, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described the successful conduct of the election as one of the happiest moments of his tenure. He expressed confidence in the ability of the new president to surpass his achievements in office. Comrade Oladoja didn't hesitate to praise Akinteye's leadership skills.

The chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee (ICPC), Comrade Omotayo Oladele Samuel, disclosed that over 300 delegates participated in the convention. These delegates included Student Union Government presidents, Senate presidents, and other student leaders from tertiary institutions across the country. The turnout was impressive, and it showed that NANS is a strong and united association.

The presidential race featured Akinteye Babatunde Afeez of OAUSTECH, Aminu Haruna Maipampo of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Awoyinpa Opeoluwa Elijah of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Olumide Odumosu Josiah of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Opaleye Samuel Oladutun of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. It was a tough competition, but Akinteye emerged victorious.

Akinteye's emergence as NANS president is significant because he's got experience as a former NANS Senate president. He's well-positioned to lead the association and promote the interests of Nigerian students. With his experience, he's expected to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration and take the association to greater heights.

The peaceful conduct of the election is also a positive development. It shows that NANS is capable of organizing a peaceful and credible election, which is a testament to the maturity of the association. The fact that there were no crises, violence, or disputes during the convention is a welcome change from the usual chaos that characterizes NANS elections. This change is a good sign for the future of NANS.

As Akinteye begins his tenure as NANS president, he faces the challenge of uniting Nigerian students and promoting their interests. He'll need to work with various stakeholders, including student leaders, university administrators, and government officials, to achieve his goals. He can't do it alone, but with the support of delegates, he's well-positioned to succeed in his new role. Akinteye won't disappoint the students who elected him, and he'll make sure their voices are heard.

  • Akinteye Babatunde Afeez is the new president of NANS.
  • He emerged victorious after a keenly contested election involving five presidential candidates.
  • The election was conducted under tight security, with police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) present at the venue.
  • The convention was described by participants as one of the most peaceful in the history of NANS.
  • Over 300 delegates participated in the convention, including Student Union Government presidents, Senate presidents, and other student leaders from tertiary institutions across the country.